Larry Rhoden (R-SD) decisively fended off his primary challenger in the state’s first-ever gubernatorial primary runoff. Rhoden became governor in January 2025 after he was promoted from lieutenant governor following former Gov. The four-way June 2 Republican primary ended with no candidate reaching the 35% threshold, triggering a runoff between Rhoden and businessman Toby Doeden. AdvertisementONCE-DOMINANT KRISTI NOEM SITS OUT SOUTH DAKOTA GOP GOVERNOR SHOWDOWNThe race was also characterized by decidedly state-level issues. The candidates who failed to advance to the runoff saw the vast majority of their supporters flock to Rhoden, ultimately dooming the political outsider.